Residency: Are You Competitive?

By Jessica Freedman, MD, MedEdits.com

When choosing your specialty, it is essential to determine your competitiveness for that specialty. How do you start making this evaluation? I suggest applicants first review the NRMPs Charting Outcomes in the Match which is published annually. This report outlines average USMLE scores, number of research experiences, volunteer experiences, etc. for US allopathic medical school graduates and "independent" residency applicants. A caveat in evaluating this data is that all candidates who are not US allopathic medical school graduates are lumped into the "independent" category.

It is important to be realistic. For example, if you failed the USMLE Step 1 on your first attempt and then barely passed on your second attempt, it is unlikely that you can match in the most competitive specialties. If your stats are on the "borderline," you should also consider applying for your top choice specialty and another "backup" specialty, just in case.

If you are interested in working with me for the 2010/2011 application season, please retain my services soon.

AMCAS, TMDSAS and AACOMAS Applications 2010

by Jessica Freedman, MD, www.MedEdits.com

The AMCAS application system will open "on or about May 4th, 2010." You can start working on your application when the system opens but you cannot submit until early June. For applicants who do not have a premed committee that is sending a letter packet, keep in mind that you can use the AMCAS Letters of Recommendation service. Only 14 medical schools are not participating in this option.

The Texas, TMDSAS, and osteopathic, AACOMAS, application services both open on May 3rd.

If you are interested in working with me on your medical school or residency application for the upcoming season, please contact me soon. 

Personal Statement Article and Podcast

by Jessica Freedman, MD, www.MedEdits.com

An article that I authored, Personal Statement Myths, was published today on the Student Doctor Network. You can also listen to the corresponding MedEdits podcast on iTunes.

Women, Residency and Childbearing

An interesting article in Academic Medicine this month examines residents' choices about childbearing during residency. This survey study of 424 male and female residents had a 77% response rate. It was found that "women residents postpone childbearing because of perceived threats to their careers." It would be intriguing to know what led to these perceptions.

Read the abstract in Academic Medicine.

Residency Match Success

By Jessica Freedman, MD, www.MedEdits.com

Congratulations to all MedEdits' clients who matched! If you haven't yet informed us of your match result, please let us know. Thus far, we know of people who matched in dermatology, emergency medicine, pediatrics, anesthesiology, orthopaedic surgery, family medicine, internal medicine, neurology and radiology.

Here a few recent and unsolicited testimonials:

"I matched at XXX I am so excited! Thank you for everything during these past  months. The Match process definitely wouldn't have gone as smoothly without all of your help and guidance. Thank you so much again for all of your help! I couldn't have gotten my first choice without you! If you need to use me as a reference, I only have wonderful things to say!"

"Dear Dr. Freedman, I matched. Thank you very much for your help and support. I don't have words to express my gratitude. This never would have happened without you. Thank you so much."

"Hi Dr. Freedman, I'm so happy - I matched at XXX (it was my number one choice for derm!). I'm very happy for such an excellent match! This is really exciting for me and I wanted to thank you again for being there for this entire process! I think all the aspects of the application really came together well and put me in the best possible light. In addition, I felt very prepared for my interviews and was able to be myself and let my strengths shine through. This wouldn't have been possible without your help and I'm truly grateful! I will be happy to keep in touch and please let me know if you ever need any references for future clients."


"I was able to couples match. We are very happy and excited. A huge part of our success is due to your hard work. Thank you so much for your encouragement and advice, we couldn't have done it without you. I have already told some of my friends who are matching this up coming year about you."


"I MATCHED FOR DERM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You had faith in me from the beginnig and I will never forget that. SO HAPPY! =) "


"I matched for anesthesia!  Thank you so much for your help, and I wouldn't have been able to do this without you.  I am very happy, shocked and also very relieved. Once again, thank you for you help throughout this process."


I am starting to work with residency clients for the upcoming season so, please contact me soon if you need help for the 2010/2011 match.